James "Jim" Kevin Ball

James "Jim" Kevin Ball, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and friend, passed away at home on June 12, 2026, following a courageous battle with a rare genetic form of cancer. He was 69 years old.

Born on Christmas Day in 1956 to Truman and Helen Kay Ball, Jim grew up in the Pittsburgh area and carried throughout his life the values of hard work, perseverance, and devotion to family. He later attended college in Athens, Ohio, where he began building the foundation for a career that would earn him the respect of colleagues and friends throughout the aviation industry. Jim lived in San Antonio, Texas for 31 years, then moved to Mobile, Alabama in 2017 where he retired in 2026.

For decades, Jim was recognized as a leader and authority in the world of small aircraft engine kits. He built a reputation for expertise, integrity, and a willingness to share his knowledge with others. Those who worked alongside him knew him as a problem solver, a mentor, and a man who took pride in doing things the right way.

Yet of all his accomplishments, Jim was proudest of his family.

A devoted Presbyterian and man of unwavering faith, Jim lived a life centered on service, responsibility, and love. He believed that family came first, and he demonstrated that belief every day. Whether through sacrifice, encouragement, or quiet acts of support, he dedicated himself to ensuring the well-being of those he loved.

One of the clearest examples of that devotion was the love he and his wife, Karen, poured into raising their granddaughter, Remi. Together they opened their home, their hearts, and their lives to her, providing the stability, guidance, and unconditional love that defined Jim's character.

Even as illness challenged him, Jim faced each day with determination and courage. He never stopped fighting, never stopped caring for those around him, and never lost sight of what mattered most.

Jim is survived by his father, Truman; his wife, Karen; his sons, Justin (Alina) and James ; his step children David (Suzanne) and Autumn (Jeff) his grandchildren, Veronica, Blair, Hannah, Henry, and Remi; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Kay and his brother Steven.

Jim leaves behind a legacy measured not by titles or professional accomplishments, but by the strength of his family, the depth of his faith, and the love he freely gave to others. He was a man who put his family first, who met life's challenges head-on, and who never gave up. His example will continue to guide those who knew and loved him for generations to come.

Though his earthly journey has ended, the love he gave and the values he instilled remain alive in the family he cherished above all else.

The family asks that friends and loved ones honor Jim's memory by considering a donation to the Providence Presbyterian Church Choir in Mobile, AL - https://providencepcmobile.churchcenter.com/giving

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